HR Connections: Linking us together
Volume 7, Issue 1 University of Connecticut Health Center Human Resources February, 2009
Career Corner
HR Updates
Getting Involved: Take Your Child to Work Day
Welcome New Employees: Know Better People
You Asked... We Listened...
FAQs
Acronyms & Definitions
Spotlight: Welcome New Faces to HR
Around Campus
What I Love About My Job
PAWS Award Reception
 

Useful Links

 

engagement08: Analyzing, Understanding, and Communicating Results

Know Better Place Logo

Thank you to all the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC) employees who showed their commitment to positive change by participating in engagement08, the Health Center’s first employee engagement survey. Human Resources, through Know Better Place, sought to measure and evaluate the level of employee engagement at the Health Center to determine employee perceptions, identify best practices, plan for necessary improvements, and create a benchmark for future surveys. According to industry experts such as Gallup, health care organizations with engaged employees have better staff retention, productivity, financial results, and higher patient satisfaction.

Logo engagement08Overall, the findings from engagement08 are encouraging.  A total of 1,595 Health Center faculty and staff completed the survey, representing 30% of the Health Center’s overall workforce. Correlations across the qualitative and quantitative data clearly illustrate areas of strength in Vision/Mission and Connection & Commitment and highlight opportunities for improvement in Teamwork & Respect and Manager & Organization Support.  Drawing on the results of the 2005 UCHC Culture and Diversity Survey, three employee engagement questions were included in engagement08. Based on level of agreement (responses of agree and strongly agree), incremental gains have been realized in each of the questions.

In addition, 578 respondents shared feedback through unstructured comments. These comments were reviewed and sorted into common themes  A more in depth review of the comments will be taken to further guide action plans.

By conducting this survey, the Health Center has taken an important first step in identifying employee engagement levels and establishing benchmark data to measure continued progress. In the coming weeks and months, through a comprehensive process, Health Center leaders will begin to address priority issues that impact employees across the organization.

To read the engagement08 summary in its entirety, please visit the Know Better Place website at http://employees.uchc.edu


Career Corner

Business Woman Smiling

Did you ever see a posting on our website that you wanted to apply for but didn’t have an updated resume? It is considered good practice to keep your resume updated annually; it is the most important document in your job search. It is a good idea to keep track of your accomplishments, educational coursework, new skills, professional activities, and rewards that you’ve received, such as a PAWS award or other type of achievement. Be sure that you have everything on your resume (i.e. specific computer skills, customer service, coding, research techniques, etc.) It may be advantageous to group your skills together as opposed to listing specific duties performed in each job.

Your resume should summarize your experience and illustrate why you are an ideal candidate for the position. It should demonstrate to the hiring department how you would be an asset. It should also reflect achievements, skills, and accumulation of expertise; weaknesses should be minimized. Breaks in work history should also be explained.

Characteristics of a good resume:

  • Sells your skills in a concise manner
  • Clearly depicts what you have done, where and when (and perhaps even how)
  • Demonstrates what you can do for the hiring department
  • Uses active verbs
  • Reflects accomplishments
  • Quantifies results 
  • Eliminates unnecessary detail – do not include personal information or the phrase “references available upon request”

Hints:

  • Keep keywords up-to-date
  • Edit ruthlessly
  • Update regularly
  • Avoid switching tenses
  • Minimize information that relates to gender, age, ethnicity unless germane to position

Remember that there are career services provided here, as well as help from your HR Officers who can be reached at (860) 679-2426.

Don’t forget to have someone proofread your resume for you!
If you are completing an on-line application and also submitting a resume, be very certain that the information in both documents is consistent.


HR Updates

Campaign for Giving log2008 CSEC Campaign Successful

Health Center employees again have made the Connecticut State Employees Campaign a phenomenal success! Over 1,100 Health Center employees contributed $171,618.10 to those in need in our local community and beyond. Thank you very much!!!

The Perpetual Fun(d) trophy is an annual recognition of the department with the highest monetary fundraising contribution, and will be engraved with the winning department’s name. This year, the trophy was presented to UMG-University Physician Patient Accounts, led by Quaminic St. Pierre. Facilities Management, led by Joyce Fritz and Sue Wasik, came in a close second. Additionally, twenty-two departments earned a free pizza luncheon by reaching 100% participation. Thank you for thinking of others!


Getting Involved: Become a Volunteer for Take Your Child to Work Day!

Photo of Children at Take Your Child to Work DayUCHC will host Take Your Child to Work Day on Thursday, April 23, 2009. This year’s theme is Building Partnerships To Educate and Empower. Know Better Place is currently seeking volunteers to help out on this fun-filled day! Want to get involved? Showcase your department or services by hosting an interactive display, lead a group tour, or coordinate an activity. To learn more, contact Rosie Rodriguez at (860) 679-2752 or send us an e-mail at knowbetterplace@uchc.edu.


Welcome New Employees: Know Better People

Photo of 01/16/09 New EmployeesNew employees become part of the University of Connecticut Health Center family every other week during New Employee Orientation. When you notice a new face in your department, take the time to introduce yourself. A warm welcome will make a lasting impression.

                                                                      January 16, 2009 New Employees


You Asked... We Listened...

CMHC Wellness Series
Image of Woman on ComputerIn response to suggestions from CMHC employees, Know Better Place partnered with CMHC Education and Training to offer a Wellness Series on site at selected correctional facilities. Sessions were well attended and touched upon a variety of topics related to stress management and positive work-life balance.

Learn the latest on campus lighting and other employee suggestions. Visit the latest status report at http://employees.uchc.edu. Find out how your feedback is making a difference.

Take Note

Photo of hand holding pen writing in a notepad

Have You Moved?
If you have moved please complete the Name/Address Change Form (PDF) in order to officially change your address of record with Human Resources.

FAQs

What can I do if I haven’t received my W-2?

If you have not received your 2008 W-2, please notify either Lynn Martin at lmartin@uchc.edu or Pat Buslewicz at pbuslewicz@uchc.edu in the payroll department, making sure to also verify your correct mailing address. They will have the Office of the State Comptroller reissue the W-2, which can take up to five (5) business days. If you have any further questions, please contact the payroll department at (860) 679-3490.

I am interested in taking a UCHC course. What do I need to do?

Even the best faculty, managers and staff need an opportunity to renew their energy and commitment to professional excellence. Whether it is inspiring engagement and teamwork, addressing today’s business challenges through performance improvement, or boosting unit productivity, the Health Center is committed to your continued growth and development. To this end, the Human Resources Organization & Staff Development Unit is pleased to present the Spring 2009 Professional Development Curriculum designed to meet your needs.

Please visit us online at http://employ.uchc.edu/training to obtain details on the courses offered and information on how to register. Enrollment for each course is limited to ensure the best instructor to participant ratio. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis, so it is recommended that you register as early as possible.

Please contact Sandy Kressner at (860) 679-3419 or at kressner@up.uchc.edu with any questions.

Acronyms & Definitions

Photo of magnifying glass

Every organization uses acronyms and the UConn Health Center is certainly no exception. We thought it might be helpful to decipher the codes; here are just a couple:

SODM- School of Dental Medicine: Since its inception in 1968, the University of Connecticut, School of Dental Medicine has been a prominent leader in dental education, research, patient care, and community outreach, which benefits both public and professional constituencies at local, regional, national, and international levels.

CAS- Central Administrative Services: CAS is comprised of a variety of departments that support the clinical enterprise, schools, and research. Some departments within CAS include Facilities Management, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Public Safety.

Spotlight: Welcome New Faces to HR

Photo of New HR Staff in February 2009

Human Resources would like to announce that we have several new staff members!

Karima Ummah is the new Human Resources Associate in the International Office. Karima most recently worked for Sacred Heart University where she was the Coordinator for International and Multicultural Affairs.

Shaela Calderon is the new Administrative Program Assistant in Labor Relations. Formerly, Shaela worked in New York City as an Administrative Assistant for an Investment Banking firm.

Elizabeth (Ely) Melendez has joined our front desk reception area as a Human Resources Assistant. Ely comes to us from the UCHC Cardiac Step Down Unit and also from St. Francis Hospital where she has worked for eleven years.

Please join us in welcoming Karima, Shaela, and Ely.


Around Campus

2009 High School Clinical Career Day

Photo of Staff at Clinical Career DayThe 2009 High School Clinical Career will be held on Friday, March 20th. This event is designed to help high school students explore careers in health care.

Students are treated to a day’s activities which include a career fair and break-out sessions facilitated by Health Center professionals in their respective areas of expertise. Prior to the event, students are able to select three different break-out sessions based on their career interests. During the 2008 career fair portion of the event, 26 different clinical booths offered students information and hands-on experiences.

Now in its fifth year, the event has tripled in size since it began in 2004 indicating that there is a need and high interest level for this kind of career education and guidance. Last year more than 300 students from 18 different area high schools participated.

This event is especially helpful to the Health Center as well as the state of Connecticut in building a strong pipeline of students who are interested in pursuing careers in the health field where shortages exist. If we can educate students about clinical careers early on, and provide them with educational and program opportunities, we have played a significant role in creating a workforce that will meet the future’s needs.

The event is sponsored by the University of Connecticut Health Center Department of Human Resources, Celebrate Health, and the Area Health Education Consortium.

For information contact: Sandy Kressner at: Kressner@up.uchc.edu or Shannon Kelmelis at: kelmelis@uchc.edu.

Just Move Fall/Winter

Photo of Girl with Scarf for Just MoveLooking for an easy way to add exercise to your day? Take the stairs! As part of the Just Move employee fitness program, Know Better Place is pleased to present a new initiative encouraging the use of stairs instead of the elevator. According to the American Heart Association, 70% of Americans are not getting enough exercise. That’s true for many of us here at the Health Center. Taking the stairs as part of your daily routine can contribute significantly to your overall fitness and health. And by burning calories, not electricity, we can ever so slightly make our work place greener. Those small decisions can really add up.

As you travel around the Health Center, try to use the elevator less and take the stairs more. And thanks to our partners in Facilities Management, two of the Health Center’s tallest stair towers overlooking the center courtyard now have a fresh new look. With brighter lighting and a splash of color, these stair towers offer a great option for your indoor workout. Try climbing all seven flights or include a shorter climb as part of your indoor route.

It’s Easy, Just Move!

Health, Safety and Environmental Fair

The 2009 Health, Safety and Environment Fair takes place Thursday, March 26, from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Food Court, Onyiuke Dining Room and Keller Auditorium Lobby. Last year approximately 2,000 individuals attended the fair. This year’s event will welcome back many recycling activities including sneaker recycling and document shredding. The fair’s theme will focus on personal and workplace fitness with an emphasis on educating consumers about producing less waste by practicing the three R’s - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

What I Love About My Job

Photo of woman employee smiling

We welcome your comments! Tell us what you love about your job by emailing us at HRConnections@uchc.edu. Featured selections will be included in future editions of HR Connections.

PAWS Awards Reception

Photo of PAWS award

Know Better Place is pleased to announce that the Pride In People subcommittee will host a PAWS awards reception on Friday, February 20, at 9:00 a.m. in the Keller Lobby. This event is held to honor employees who consistently perform above and beyond the expectations of their job and exhibit the following attributes: Part of a team • Awesome attitude • Wonderful work ethic • Superior service.

About HR Connections

HR Connections is a publication of the University of Connecticut Health Center. HR Connections is designed to bring the latest information and current Human Resources events to the employees at the UConn Health Center.UConn Health Center logo

Editorial Board: Laurel Barrows, Teri Chasse, Alexis Crean, Elizabeth Fay, Jessica Hajdasz, Sandy Kressner, Marisa Leone, Sylvia Nolan, Rosie Rodriguez, Jessica Van Alstyne